Aruba 2021
Background
After a year fraught with anxiety, fear and the unknown it was time to look forward to a brighter and safer future. After both of us had received both our doses of the Pfizer vaccine we were ready for a safe and uncomplicated travel adventure. The island of Aruba and it’s strict safety precautions offered us the perfect balance of sun, relaxation and security.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
The following safety measures were in effect as of the week of 4/12/21. Please note that the safety precautions are an ever changing landscape that will be modified based on the islands total number of cases and their vaccination efforts. Overall I found that both visitors and locals took the rules and regulations very seriously.
- Pre departure Covid PCR within 72 hours
- Health questionnaire and online health screening application ( will need to upload your PCR result)
- Mandatory purchase of island health insurance
- Masks are required in all public spaces and taxis
- Indoor and outdoor dining have socially distanced tables and strict general and table specific capacity
- There are abundant hand sanitizer dispensers
- During our trip a curfew of 10pm (strict) was in effect. I suspect this may be liberalized soon
How we got there
Delta has great non stop service from JFK to Aruba ( flight time 4 hours).
Tip: Take the ~7:30 am flight so you can have a few hours on the beach on arrival. I know it’s early and we all hate an early flight. Availability permitting spend a night at the TWA hotel (terminal 5). It is such a design savvy space, has a cute Jean-George Restaraunt, a bar in an old TWA plane and even an out door HEATED pool overlooking the runways!!!
Tip: (Pandemic specific) Be sure to to print out your entry document with the Bar Code that you are “clear to board”. Additionally even though you have to upload your COVID PCR test to receive the entry document; they will ask you to see your actual Covid test and a screen shot will not suffice. You can open the email For them but to save time print this out as well.
Tip: On your return you will have to check in, check your bags, pass through Aruba immigration, collect your bags and then place them on a conveyer belt and pass through US customs. This process can take a while so give yourself ample time for departure! This will however save you a lot of time on arrival in the US. Currently a negative COVID PCR was required prior to travel and most hotels have some or all of this cost covered with convenient on site testing. Lastly there is Global Entry and for those who are awaiting conditional renewal clearance or want to do your global entry interview in Aruba the staff was amazing. It is located after US customs.
Where we Stayed
Sticking with Bonvoy we opted to stay at the Marriott Stellaris Resort and Casino. We capitalized on a double points/night deal which we will certainly cash in on a future travel adventure. The Marriott was great, nice ocean facing room, great service in general and excellent Covid safety policies. The beachfront was well maintained and felt the most tropical compared to the neighboring Properties like the Ritz which went for a more subdued feel.
Tip: Get the lay Of the land quickly especially if you have a short trip. Plan to spend your days in a beachside palapa so you can hide from the midday sun a bit. In the afternoon hang by the adult Pool. There is a large pool for families with kids which looks great but we avoided it at all cost. You will need to reserve palapas the day prior so plan ahead to get that front row seating! While the beach is beautiful just in front of the Marriott; wander next door to the Ritz where the water Is a bit quieter with a wide stretch of shallow coast.
Where we ate
I should start by saying that we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the dining experiences of the island. While all tastes are different it will be important to do your homework, plan ahead and most certainly make some reservations well in advance; especially for any of the unique chefs table experiences and more popular venues. At the time of this review most restaurants were only offering 1 seating to accommodate the curfew.
In no particular order..
FREDS:
This 5 course chefs table experience was phenomenal. Fred commands the kitchen and while he isn’t the most Teddy Bear of personalities his heart is in his food. Well placed intermissions where we just sat out on the patio and soaked up the breeze We’re phenomenal. This is a hard table to get but if you get wait listed just be patient as we were and a seat may open.
Senses
The second of our chefs table experience; Senses is located at the Bucuti & Tara adult only hotel. With a Dutch team including a sommelier, chef and during our dinner an apprentice chef; the venue offers lunch and dinner options and it is ~ 8 courses. Think French technique mixed with Dutch, Norwegian and Indonesian influence. Compared to Fred’s the food quality was slightly less refined buy the presentation was lovely and we met some great people. Reservations a must.
Screaming Eagle
Having won several best Caribbean restaraunt awards over the years; screaming Eagle remains a wonderful venue with amazing seafood, and per Paolo a wonderful wine list (probably one of the best of all the places we had dined). If you are staying near the Marriott or Ritz reserve a table for sunset and ride down on one of the many Bird e-scooters..I take no responsibility for any injuries so ride at your own risk. The sunset is spectacular as is the ride down along the water. We actually ate here twice. When reserving if it’s just two of you ask to be seated in the sandy area.
Madame Janette
Founded in the late 90’s this venue offers a very extensive menu and is tucked away in a pretty garden. Overall the food was just fine but it was a relaxing experience with some shining moments such as the Almond Grouper, the Poke Bowl starter, the Korean style pulled pork spring rolls and a divine coconut cake.
Faro Blanco
Situated on the northern coast at the foot of the California light house; this venue has been arch for quite a while. To be honest the food was not great and service felt very rushed. The surrounding scenery is quite pretty. Would not go back here.
OceanZ
As part of the OceanZ boutique hotel; only recently did seating open to the public for dinner. Think about a beautiful Miami villa just across the street from the ocean. The food is great, the owner and staff are personable and the vibe lends itself to inter table mingling.
Opus Ocean Grill
An unplanned dinner at this charming palace downtown offered great fish and wonderful service. I only wish it had some outdoor dining.
Sushi pre-gaming
Don’t let the fact that both of the top Sushi venues are located inside the lobbies of hotels deter you. The Sushi at both the Marriott Stellaris and the neighboring Ritz Carlton are phenomenal for a little afternoon protein snack. Would recommend an early visit to the Ritz Carlton before sunset as they do serve sushi on their outdoor patio which has a stunning view of the sunset and live music. As the curfew is lifted you can then head to a later dinner.
Beachfront Dining
There are plenty of options for barefoot ( on beach dining) we opted for Barefoot as it had solid reviews and was simply closer to our hotel. The food was solid but the experience was great.
Eduardos Beach Shack
A classic on beach shack that lives up to all the hype. We only made it there twice for some amazing fully loaded Açaí bowls. Don’t even think a about it, just take a stroll a long the beach and grab a snack.
Linda’s Dutch Pancakes
There are a couple of these on the island though we only got to sample Linda’s and it was amazing. I did savory (Gouda and Ham) and Paolo did sweet! We would definitely do this again.. and again.. and again.
Activities
There are so many available activities on the island from water sports to off roading, checking out the flamingos to exploring the national park and of course shopping.
What we did:
- Palm island: Good if you have kids not so great for adults but the flamingos were cute! Would try to score guest passes to the Renaissance private island instead
- Renting a Jeep: explore the island but at stay on the paved Roads and would avoid the 4X4 section in the national Park it is a treacherous drive. Also avoid sunset rentals the Jeep we had had no working 4X4 and we got stuck
- Shopping for jewelry is just an Aruba thing.. I can’t complain! Check out the luxury Mall and specifically Gandelman!
Until Next time....
